Folding table



195,1 EZIE. WINELAND 2,566,077

' FOL-DING TABLE Filed May 29, 1946 2 Sheet-Sheet 2 FIG. 2.

I N VENTOR. 1 7

\EMERY E. WINELANIJ' Mama/V60.

ATTD R N EYB Patented Aug. 28, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE This invention relates to a folding table.

In folding tables, heretofore, it has been generally necessary to hook the legs into a stable condition, or use toggles or the like to hold the legs and other parts in their proper positions. This requires manipulation by the person setting up the table, and many times it has been confusing as to just which parts were to be straightened out, or hooked, or the like.

The object of the invention is to provide a folding table which can be readily moved to a standing position or readily moved to a collapsed or folded condition.

Another object of the invention is to provide a folding table which is extremely simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

These and other objects are attained by the novel construction and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, forming a part hereof, and in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of table embodying the invention, there being indicated in dotted line'the manner in which the legs are folded.

Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the table with the legs folded.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 33 of Fig. 2. v

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 44 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 6--5 of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings, the folding table is shown to comprise a top I, having on the underside thereof, strips 2 extending from one corner to a diagonally opposite corner, and cross strips 3 between the strips 2.

Pivotally connected as shown at 4 in Fig. 4 are the upper sections of legs, which upper sections 5 are of such a length that they will drop easily within the corners. Pivotally connected at E to the upper sections 5, are the lower sections 1 of.

the legs, the lower sections being of any length depending upon the height of the table desired. The hinge connection is so arranged that when the upper section 5 and the lower section i of any one of the legs is in extended or unfolded position, as when the table is set up in a standing position, inward movement of the leg sections 5 and I at the pivotal connection is prevented by the construction of the hinge. As shown in the drawings, this may be accomplished by providing a plate Ba which is secured to the leg section 5 2 Claims. (01. 311--77) legs, and all braces being connected together at the center.

At each corner of the table are U-shaped wire or rod members 9 which have their free ends l0 pivotally engaging the side walls of the top of the table. These U-shaped members 9 are arranged to move in the cutout latch portions II on the upper sections 5 of the legs, and stabilize the legs when the table is in a standing position.

The table top may be round, square, or oblong, and the legs, that is, the upper sections 5, are pivoted to the strips 2 and 3, one-third the length between the corners (criss-cross). The top sections fold towards the corners, while the lower sections fold towards the center. The legs fold together at the corners of the table top, the lower sections being positioned between the straddling braces 8. All of the legs fold and unfold at the same time, and there are no hooks, and the like to look for and set in position to hold the table in a standing position. The table is substantially automatic in operation. By turning the table to a standing position, the legs and other parts fall out to hold the table in a standing position. To fold the table, the top is simply turned upside down.

It will be seen that the above table is easy to operate, and can be made of metal, wood, or other suitable materials, at a weight and price not greater than the old types of folding tables.

The table can be employed as a bridge table, or it can be used as a childrens table and for other purposes. It can be made also in small models and serve as a toy for children.

The above description is to be considered as illustrative and not limitative of the invention of which modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invenunfolded, braces pivotally connected to the lower sections of the legs and straddling the latter, each of said upper sections having a cutout portion adjacent the connection of said upper sec tion to said strip, and U-shaped members each having one end pivotally connected to said top and its other end mounted for movement in said cutout portion for holding said upper sections in extended position when the legs are unfolded.

2. In a folding table, a top having a side wall extending therefrom, a pair of spaced parallel strips extending diagonally across said top, adjacent the corners thereof, cross strips extending between said strips, folding legs each having an upper and lower section, a joint pivotally connecting said sections together, said upper section being pivotally connected to said strips, means for preventing accidental inward move: ment of the pivot joint when the legs are unfolded, braces pivotally connected to the lower sections of the legs and straddling the latter, each of said upper sections havin a cutout portion adjacent the connection of said upper section to said strip, and U-shaped members each having one end pivotally connected to said sidewall and its other end mounted for movement in said cutout portion for holding said upper sections in extended position when the legs are unfolded.

EMERY E. WINELAND.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent: 

